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Originally Posted by Freyja  At what age do you think its best to start conformation classes? Are there any other classes that should be taken? I really truly appreciate all of your feedback. I'm glad that you came across my thread. Unlike someone that came just came across my other thread. I think I might get suspended for replying to this person but I'm the type of person that can keep quiet when someone implying something about me. I hope I don't get in any kind of trouble so I can keep talking to you. You are truly nice and very knowledgeable. |
I am glad I am able to help. I have only been showing Yorkies for less than two years but in my younger days I was involved in showing and we had one St. Bernard that we finished.
First you want to make sure your puppy has had all of it's puppy shots. Some kennel clubs offer 'fun match' for puppies 3 to 6 months. Much of the work in the beginning can be done at home. The puppy needs to get used to being 'stacked' and walking on a lead. I would get the puppy lead trained first and then see if you can find some puppy training classes. For showing conformation your puppy just need to learn how to move on a lead with head up, stand for examination, and stand still in a stacked position. Obedience training is a whole other story. It is hard to find anyone that offer conformation classes unless you are near a big city. Sometimes someone that does obedience training will let you come to the classes just for the socialization. Of course it is great if you dog and be trained for both but I have never got into obedience training....that takes more time and lots of commitment. I would wait until the puppy is at least 4 months old before I would start taking it to any classes. If there are no classes offered in your area then maybe you could find some other Yorkie or small breed dog owners that would be interested in getting together somewhere. Maybe a park where there is a pavilion. There are all kinds of great videos available on Yorkies that can teach you everything you need to know. I have a dear friend that I go to shows with and she has ordered every kind of video imaginable on Yorkies and showing. I think she gets them from
www.sweetyblue.com/. Your best experience will be from just going to several dog shows, observing, and talking to show breeders.